HB2618 is a bill that grants local governments in Arizona the authority to set zoning, permitting, and site-specific conditions for solar and wind energy power plants. It requires owners or operators to maintain the plants, comply with decommissioning and site restoration plans, and carry financial assurance and liability insurance. The bill also details the transfer process of power plants and mandates continuous financial assurance maintenance. It applies to ground-mounted solar systems of 51 kilowatts or more on vacant or agricultural land and introduces new regulations for wind energy power plants, including the submission of a decommissioning and site restoration plan before obtaining permits.

The bill empowers local governments to enforce regulations, reassess financial assurances, and establish procedures for the sale and transfer of power plants. It also specifies the decommissioning process for wind energy power plants, including the removal of all components and site restoration. Local authorities can require updated cost estimates for decommissioning and may consider salvage value when determining financial assurance amounts. Public service corporations and local governments can demonstrate financial capability instead of maintaining financial assurance. The bill exempts power plants with permit applications submitted before its effective date and was vetoed by the Governor due to concerns about creating inconsistent regulations and hindering renewable energy deployment.